Delivering a Music Intervention in a Randomized Controlled Trial Involving Older People With Dementia: Musician Experiences and Reflections

Journal

Music and Medicine

Year

2010

Abstract

A qualitative thematic approach was used to explore musicians’ views and experiences of delivering a music intervention and its efficacy for people with dementia in long-term care. Two musicians who delivered the intervention in a randomized controlled trial were interviewed using a semistructured schedule. The data were sorted, categorized, and thematically analyzed. Two themes emerged: design of the protocol and efficacy of the program. Musicians felt that the intervention was appropriately designed, particularly in terms of repertoire selection, session length, incorporation of live and prerecorded music, and use of 2 musicians. They reported seeing improvements in mood, memory, general well-being, and quality of life for persons with dementia, both during and after the session. The findings support a music protocol structure that can be used for randomized controlled trials. They also highlight how standardized assessment tools used in randomized controlled trials can be complemented with qualitative, reflective evidence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Music and Health Institute Terms

Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Cognitive Abilities; Elderly; Subjective Measures; Long-Term Care Facility; Memory; Mood; Music Listening; Music Medicine; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Recorded Music Listening; Psychological Outcomes; Quality of Life; Wellness and Well-Being

Indexed Terms

music intervention; older people; dementia; musicians

Study Type

Randomized Controlled; Trial; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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